Creating Safer & More Inclusive Communities for LGBTQ+ People

Jade Parker (they/them) is the Team Leader, Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Programs at ACON, Australia's largest LGBTQ+ health organisation. They are a passionate advocate for safer, more inclusive communities and are committed to improving outcomes for LGBTQ+ people affected by sexual, domestic and family violence.

Jade is particularly committed to ensuring that LGBTQ+ experiences of violence are recognised, understood and addressed through evidence-based and community-led approaches. Their leadership is grounded in empathy, equity and social justice, with a focus on creating meaningful, sustainable change.

Describe your career trajectory and how you got to your current position.

My career has been driven by a commitment to social justice and supporting communities that experience inequity and exclusion. I began working in the community sector in frontline and program delivery roles, where I developed a strong understanding of the barriers people face when accessing support and navigating complex systems. Over time, I moved into leadership positions, focusing on program development, workforce capacity building and partnership management. Throughout my studies and early career, I have been particularly passionate about creating safer, more inclusive services for LGBTQ+ communities. These experiences ultimately led me to ACON, where I now lead the Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence health promotion team, working to strengthen prevention, early intervention and response initiatives across New South Wales.

What drives me is the belief that everyone deserves to live free from violence, discrimination and abuse. I am motivated by the opportunity to create meaningful change, both at an individual and systemic level. Working in sexual, domestic and family violence prevention and response allows me to advocate for communities whose experiences have historically been overlooked or misunderstood. Seeing services become more inclusive, practitioners gain confidence, and community members access the support they need is incredibly rewarding. I am also inspired by the strength, leadership and cultures of collective care LGBTQ+ communities have always had.

I would tell myself that you do not need to have all the answers to be an effective leader. Early in my career, I sometimes felt pressure to be the expert in every situation. Over time, I learned that strong leadership is about curiosity, collaboration and a willingness to keep learning. I would also remind myself to prioritise wellbeing and boundaries. Working in the social sector is deeply meaningful, but it can also be demanding. Looking after yourself is not separate from the work; it is essential to being able to do the work sustainably and effectively.

What does strong social sector leadership look like to you?

Strong social sector leadership is grounded in authenticity, empathy and accountability. It means listening deeply to communities, amplifying lived experience, and being willing to challenge systems that create inequity. Effective leaders create environments where people feel valued, supported and empowered to contribute. They recognise that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about bringing people together around a shared purpose and enabling collective action. For me, strong leadership also means remaining hopeful and values-driven, even when addressing complex social challenges, and ensuring that the communities most affected by an issue remain at the centre of decision-making.

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